In 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith responded to a request by John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat newspaper, that he briefly sketch the history of the Church up to that point.

The Prophet concluded his summation with 13 concise statements of belief, which were later included in the scriptural canon as the Articles of Faith.

It is significant, perhaps, that Joseph chose to conclude these statements with a list of qualities Latter-day Saints seek to incorporate into their lives and behavior:

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul — we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things" (Articles of Faith 1:13).

Joseph habitually flavored his writings and discourse with Biblical allusions, and this instance was no exception. The 13th Article of Faith, of course, borrows liberally from Philippians 4:7, wherein the apostle Paul enjoins the saints: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

The writings of both Joseph Smith and Paul on this subject could well be condensed into a five-word maxim: We believe in being virtuous. Indeed, the concept of virtue incorporates every noble and decent human characteristic, quality, attribute or inclination.

The word "virtue" derives from the Latin term virtus, which means manliness or worth. An earlier definition of virtue was, in fact, manly qualities such as valor, strength, courage and conviction.

Long ago, the word came to be applied to the female sex as well, as in the scriptural passage, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:9). Significantly, the First Presidency very recently has added the attribute of "Virtue" to the Young Women theme (see Dec. 20 Church News, p. 3).

In fact, the qualities that comprise virtue are applicable in appropriate ways to both women and men, to young as well as old. This is more than apparent from a glance at the 10 qualities of virtue highlighted in this issue of the Church News.

In the scriptures, the word "virtue" is used to mean not just goodness but also occasionally the power to heal. See, for example, Mark 5:30, Luke 6:19 and Luke 8:46, wherein we read that virtue went out from Jesus and healed the afflicted. See also, Alma 31:5, which states that Alma, in an effort to reform his people, thought it expedient that he "should try the virtue of the word of God."

It is significant that virtue should have this dual meaning, for godly qualities can heal both the one who possesses them and the one who is influenced thereby.

Hence, the late President Gordon B. Hinckley declared on more than one occasion that Latter-day Saints ought to be the best people on earth, in view of what they have and what they know.

May this goal guide our conduct as we enter the New Year.